Switzerland-based Clariant has launched a new ingredient based on extract from the Abyssinica seed sourced in Africa and targeting the hair, skin, lip and sun care segments.

Plantasens Abyssinian Oil is being marketed by the company as a 100% natural ingredients that is sources in African Highlands, is GMO-free and also has been Ecocert approved.

The Crambe Abyssinica plant has been harvested in this African region at altitudes above 2,500 metres, as well as throughout the Mediterranean area for many years and has more lately been used as a vegetable oil for lubricants and as an ingredient in synthetic rubber.

Beauty benefits and sustainability

'Linking beauty benefits and sustainability is an increasingly important factor in ingredient selection within personal care,' said Ralf Zerrer, head of global strategic marketing at the company.

'Clariant's rediscovery of the inspiring natural ingredient Plantasens Abyssinian Oil, provides formulators and brand owners with a treasure trove of benefits for their development of natural and effective skin and hair care products.'

In recent years it has come to the fore more as a skin care ingredient, thanks to its rich composition of Omega 6 and 9, as well as long-chain tyriglcerides that help promote smooth and radiant skin.

Promoting Abyssinian oil as a hair care ingredient

However, Clariant is leading the way in also promoting it as a hair care ingredient, by claiming it adds shine, and a soft light feel to hair care formulations, as well as helping to promote manageability and making it less prone to damage.

Likewise, for skin care, the company is promoting the ingredient for use in face cream, cleansing milk and body lotion, as well as proving to be highly compatible in sun care formulation where it serves to disperse and solubilize UV filters.

It is also flagged as being appropriate for the lip care segment, thanks to hydrating and protective characteristics that can make ideal for both lipstick and lip balm formulations.

Sustainable farming methods = win-win

What is also vitally important in the naturals category is to highlight the sustainable and green credentials of an ingredient, and here Clariant also believes it is hitting the right note, thanks to the fact that it is has secured Ecocert approval, and it carries the company's EcoTain sustainability label.

Clariant says it has worked with local farmers to ensure that the crops are planted using rotational farming methods, ensuring that the land is not depleted, and ensuring a richer soil for future crops.

The company points out that this method is a win-win, ensuring the farmers' future livelihood, while also maximizing on crop outcome because the land does not have to be left fallow at any time.